September’s Book Review- A Simplified Life

How does book club work?

Each month I select a book. I’ll share why I chose and a link to purchase so you can get the book and read along! You may also wait until you hear our month end review. We’ll review the book, honestly, those reading along participate and share thoughts and those who just want some intel before reading on their own can learn more.

This month’s choice— A Simplified Life by Emily Ley

Why I chose this book

You can read about why I love the simplified planner so much here! But Emily Ley, founder and ceo of simplified, makes much more than just awesome planners. She writes amazing books! I have read every one of them and have not been disappointed. It is a bargain at walmart.com for only $8.55 right now! If you don’t have this book, do not pass up this deal! Here is the link to purchase.

What’s it all about?

It is about simplifying. That’s right, creating routines, rhythm, time for the things that really matter in life. We can’t do it all, every day. We must simplify and create margin for the good times in life. I’ve have implemented so many of the simplifying techniques in this book and it works. It has helped me make time for snuggles, story time, picnics, and play without worrying about the mountain of clothes or chores piling up. Simple and good is just that, it is good stuff!

The Review

This is the second time reading A simplified life for me. I was pleasantly surprised that a number of her routines and lessons have stuck around in my life. As I read the tips, I was able to check in and say “yes” I am still doing that and “yes” that does work!

I guess I am a saying that the tips in this book are tried and true.

Here are some of my favorites from the book.

• Designating a get it out of here space for things to donate or sell. I have this space in my master closet to this day. Her method of Best, Favorite, Necessary, Treasure, works! Every year I complete her simplicity challenge to keep Tidy!
• The morning routine! writing down everything you actually use in order and putting it together simplified and streamlined my morning routine. I get ready so much quicker and I remember getting rid of drawers worth of stuff that I never used. Old makeup that was at least 10+ years old.
• Meal Planning is always a challenge but it helps to plan out by day, leaving one night for leftovers and having a pizza party on Friday nights! We love our Friday night Pizza and movie nights! We’ve adopted a theme of the night. Italian Monday, Taco Tuesday, American Wednesday, Takeout Thursday, Pizza Friday!
• Talk to your kids about finances. This is one that I want to do a better job at. If you have any great allowance systems please let me know in the comments!
• Turn off Notifications. I was so scared of turning off the notifications, what if I miss something. Do it! If you miss it, you can go back and turn that specific app on, but start with everything turned off! What a timesaver and mental clutter fixer this was in my life!

My overall review of this book is a 10 out 10. It was a pleasure reading it both the first and second times. You know a book is great when you read it over and over again and still gain from it. Thanks Emily Ley for some amazing ways to Simplify!

Looking for more books, check out some of our other book reviews here!